Chapter 8

So, I should probably re-establish this in your head but we have never been in a city before, we had never been aware but the School and the "E" house so, New York was like…Mickey Mouse at a Metalica Concert. We being the innocent, don't know what's going on Mickey Mouse and New York being the confusing, loud, crowd filled concert.

Nudge was loving it, Angel was trying to adjust with her mind reading, Gazzy was trying not to cause trouble (but it was bound to happen), Iggy was obviously hoping to learn anything that would allow him as a blind person to make it through, and Fang was just avoiding hitting the people.

Me, well I was having all my nerves frayed to an end point. I couldn't help it. "So what are we doing?" My eyes went to Fang who was walking beside me, clearly trying to figure it all out as well.

"Find the Institute, do you know where that is?" I asked casually watching for signs of more Erasers out to get us. I sighed outwardly at the complexity of this whole situation. Why couldn't we all be safe at home (Fang included)?

Then, Fang stopped and I could tell he was thinking. He knew…he definitely knew. And I was right, because in a few seconds, after checking his surroundings, Fang was walking down the streets, taking rights and lefts while we all followed him. I felt my heart rising in my chest, pumping out of control.

When he stopped so instantly that I bumped into him (which let me tell you is very awkward). His eyes were on a building, you know, it has creepy hints at possibly being an evil corporation but there was no sign of knowing for sure unless you were paranoid like me. Fang headed up the stairs and we all followed.

Inside, there was a woman behind the counter on the phone. She suddenly had her eyes on Fang. She knew him and my stomach clenched. A bad feeling came to me all at once as I watched the following scene perform in front of me.

First the woman hung up her phone before saying, "It's been awhile since you've been here." Wearily, Fang looked over at me then turned to look back at the woman and nod his head. I watched as her hands went to rest on her lap, if she moved one tendon towards hurting us, I would ruffle up her pretty blonde/gray hair and teach her a lesson. "You brought some others, I see." My stomach dropped as I watched Fang.

"No," Fang replied slowly. It was too late for me to listen to the rest of what he said, I was pushing the flock out the door. He was a traitor. Iggy was right. Damn it, Iggy always gets cocky when he's right. When we stepped out into the streets, I found they were completely empty except…

"Hello Max," my eyes went wide with recognition of who was in front of me.

"Jeb," I replied, trying to remain cool. A figure stepped in beside me and I jumped. It was Fang, still trying to pretend that he was on our side.

"Why don't we talk," Jeb suggested.

"Never," I hissed.

"Have it your way then." And then all of a sudden, we were attacked. Erasers, who had been hidden in the alleys and rooftops were now coming at us from every direction.

Fight Max, come on. STUPID VOICE! I was focusing on breaking an Eraser's nose now. My eyes sneaking glances around me to find the rest of the flock (and even Fang) were fighting them off. At one point, he was fighting by my side.

"Why don't you give it up already?" I huffed through staggered breaths. "I already know you're a traitor so go ahead and hit me," I dared. I managed to twist an Eraser's arm behind his back and slip it out of its socket.

Fang shot me a look. He wasn't denying or confirming my suspicions. He was just fighting- trying to survive- like the rest of us. Still, if he hadn't brought us here.

If you hadn't asked him to.

Well, technically I only asked if he knew about it. That's all! He planned this! He's a traitor.

Suddenly a scream caught me by surprise, "MAX!"

I lifted my head up to see the Erasers dragging away Nudge, Gazzy, Ari and Angel. Nudge, Ari and Gazzy had been knocked out while Angel was still struggling to fight. "No! No! NO!" I screamed, running towards them only to be stopped by another large Eraser, who was laughing his stupid face off. I went to punch him but he caught the movements and swung to hit me in the side. I lost my breath and my knees buckled a bit but I refused to fall down.

I was too late though and watched as Jeb gave me once last wave, "I'll see you there Maximum." I knew what he was referring too and my hands clenched at the thoughts of it. A helicopter that had landed in the middle of the empty street, now carrying four members of my flock, was now flying away. Iggy and Fang were staring at it as well with jaws clenched.

Fang lifted off into the sky as if to go chase it, "Don't!" I yelled and he stopped- surprised. "Look closely," and when Fang did, I knew he saw the Erasers, holding guns in their hands looking out the window waiting for us to fly after them. "The only chance we have is to take them back at the School. That's where Jeb is taking them." The stupid, white coat bastard.

I stared at the remainder of my flock, just the two boys. What was I going to do? How was I going to save the others? My eyes connected with Fang for a moment. And was he still a traitor?

In due time Max, you'll see the bigger picture?

Just tell me how to zoom out and I'll be fine thanks.

It's not that simple.

Is it ever?

And of course, no response.

"Well," I stated, "Back to the School." And I felt the shivers that came with that response.